Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan gained its independence when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Presently, the country is ruled by an authoritarian president with dynastic ambitions. The Rule of law is fundamentally flawed. Oppositional politicians are frequently being subjected to violence, torture and wanton arrests.
Population: 8.3 million
Area: 86 600 km2
GDP (PPP): 93,02 billion dollar (2011 estimate)
GDP per capita (PPP): 10 200 $ (2011 estimate)
Rate of growth: 0,2 % (2011 estimate)
Head of state: Ilham Aliyev
Head of government: Artur Tahir Rasizade
Freedom of opinion and and expression is severely limited and there is no real protection of property rights. Presidential and parliamentary elections have been heavily criticized for extensive election fraud.
Development toward democracy and rule of law has stagnated in Azerbaijan. The parliamentary elections held on 7 November 2010 proved no signs of progress. The OSCE/ODIHR noted serious violations of election procedures. Concerns were raised over restrictions of fundamental freedoms, media bias, one-party dominance and violations on election day. The conditions necessary for a meaningful democratic election were not established, according to the OSCE/ODIHR.
The conflict over Nagorno Karabakh is still unsolved and there seem to be no constructive tendencies of continued state-building. However, there are a few tentative economic reforms that show some promise.
Since 2003, the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation is cooperating with National Independence Party of Azerbaijan (NIPA). The Foundation has organized seminars for regional leaders as well as for younger politicians on the themes of democratization and practical political work. There is a pressing need for contacts with political organizations in other countries and NIPA has demonstrated both resolve and interest, both in gathering knowledge of democratisation and in implementing it. Another important matter is to strengthen the party locally and to help it accomodate a new generation of decision-makers. The Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation is directing its efforts mainly at young aspiring politicians and locally active party representatives.
